Jessica Campbell has carved a path of firsts in the world of hockey, and her latest accomplishment solidifies her place in history. The Seattle Kraken recently appointed Campbell to their coaching staff, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the NHL's history.
The significance of this moment is not lost on Campbell, who expressed her excitement and humility. “I just focused on the task at hand in coaching, but absolutely, it's obviously a tremendous opportunity and I'm honored to be where I am and to be -- it's a humbling feeling to be a part of the Kraken organization,” she shared.
A Journey of Breakthroughs
Campbell's journey to this monumental achievement is filled with notable milestones. She made her mark in the 2014-15 season as the team captain in the first-ever Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) All-Star Game. From there, her coaching career took off, leading her to roles that broke barriers.
In 2022, Campbell became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Her impact was immediate and influential, particularly in her role managing the Firebirds' power play. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding players like Tye Kartye, who thrived under her mentorship and won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who worked alongside Campbell in Coachella Valley, praised her commitment to player development. “During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development. Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at the NHL level,” Bylsma remarked.
Expanding Horizons
Campbell's coaching prowess isn't limited to league play. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach a men's national team during the IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. There, she also collaborated with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, strengthening her ties within the hockey community.
Beyond the bench, Campbell has made significant contributions as a power-skating coach, working with elite athletes such as Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. Her expertise has been valued across different teams and competitions, including her role with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021.
Looking to the Future
As Campbell transitions into her new role with the Seattle Kraken, her future responsibilities will likely extend to heading the team's power play. Her philosophy remains grounded in growth and progress. “I'm a big believer in just keeping a growth mindset every day. Obviously, my goal is to continue to coach at the highest level, but timelines aren't necessary for me and definitely not where my focus is,” Campbell explained.
Jessica Campbell's appointment marks a significant and progressive step for the NHL. Her track record of success and her ability to inspire and develop talent make her an invaluable addition to the Kraken staff. For Campbell, this is just another chapter in a career that continues to break new ground and redefine possibilities in the world of hockey coaching.